Michael F. Sheridan

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Michael F. Sheridan is a volcanologist. He has studied volcanoes
for many years, with current research interests in modeling
pyroclastic flows, avalanches and mud flows.

He has developed small-scale computer simulations of geologic
activity, primarily in Latin America, and has long advocated that
the risks posed to human life by volcanic flows could be greatly
mitigated by creating large-scale simulations of these
phenomena.

fter Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano erupted in December
2000, he and colleagues developed a map showing which surrounding
communities could be threatened by mud flows in during major
event. Previously, in 1995, he received a commendation
from the governor of Mexico's Puebla State for his work on
evaluating Popocatepetl's hazards.

He is also an expert on Mount
Vesuvius in Italy. Sheridan has contributed to numerous
international collaborations, spending time as a visiting professor
at universities in Japan, Italy, Mexico and New Zealand.

CONTACT:

Michael F. Sheridan, PhDUB Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geology
University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences